Thursday, May 31, 2007

Anchorage is a nice size, big enough to find what you need, small enough to be familiar with what's available. For those who may find yourself in Anchorage someday (we get our share of tourists each summer) here is a list of some great goods and services I'd recommend:

1. Need a sandwich shop? I'd recommend The Perfect Cup at the Dimond Center, I dream about their avocado/bacon sandwich--if ethnic food is your thing you should consider Milano's on Arctic and 36th, they have terrific gyros and steak and cheese sandwiches.

2. Need a photographer?Stanton Photography, definitely the best. All of his pictures are beautiful.

3. Need a restaurant? South Side Bistro on Huffman. I'd recommend the cream of sundried tomato soup with the chevre salad and the raspberry creme brulee for dessert and you could always order more and take it home . . .

5. Need an optometrist?Dr. Bill Faulkner is good, Andrew and I have gone to him but I've also really liked Dr. Fox, she's great with the kids.

6. Need a carpet cleaner?J&S Steamway is the best. Not necessarily the cheapest but the best. I can get my family room, hallway, and two half-flights of stairs done for a little over $100, which isn't too bad given the quality.

7. Need an appliance repairman?Anchor Appliances has given good results. They've taken care of my dishwasher and refrigerator and even gave me advice with an electrical issue. I used Harold's once and didn't care for it as much though that was five years ago.

8. Need a cheap date? Oh Bear Tooth for sure. You always hear me talking about The Moose's Tooth and the Amazing Cheesebread, well The Bear Tooth Theater is owned by the same geniuses only there they throw in a movie with your dinner. Tickets are $3 per show. Order the same great food as at Moose's Tooth before you sit down and they bring you your dinner to eat during the movie. Warning: do not order something that requires light to eat i.e. salads, messy stuff, nachos, etc. You can get dinner and a movie for two for under $15 if you're smart.

9. Need your furniture restored? Windmill Furniture Restoration. My mother had her dining room table refinished and they picked it up, refinished and delivered for a fabulous price. But call early, the waiting list is long--I called this month for a spot after Thanksgiving.

10. Need a pediatrician?Dr. Jeff Brand. Highly recommended. If your child is sick he's easily available and he also has an office in Eagle River for patients out there. He's practical and down to earth and doesn't treat you like a silly worrier. Also I'd recommend Dr. Jeff Penman who is the pediatrician for many of my friends' children.

11. Need a plumber? I've used Chaz Mechanical and H&M Plumbing and both were fine but I was impressed with Best Plumbing that hooked up our sink, garbage disposal and dishwasher for the remodel. He was quick and painless and can also took care of heating issues and I thought his bill for the whole thing was pretty reasonable too.

12. Need a mechanic?The Alignment Center knows us on a first-name basis--my grandfather recommended them to me years ago and I've been so happy I never mess with anyone else. They can fit you in immediately and get the work done quickly but the best part is that they seem very honest. I've had several times when I've taken one of the cars in for repairs and they've told me that it's a minor problem, easily fixed at little cost (how often does that happen?) Twice they've installed bad parts that broke and they quickly identified what had happened, accepted responsibility and fixed it at no charge when I wouldn't have known the difference. Being so ignorant when it comes to cars, this is a comforting thing.

13. Need an oil and gas attorney? I have a really hunky one I would recommend . . .

And if you're looking for some other goodies to help you through the summer check back here on Saturday for the unveiling of a new weekly feature at Scribbit. You'll love it, I promise . . .

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And Pinks and Blues is giving away a Dooney and Bourke handbag. Go! Go! Go! You have until Friday to get your name in the pot.

The Snow Goose is a casual, not as expensive place downtown. They'remore of a burger grill though. I've liked them well enough. Thereare a few places in midtown that might be better, like Cattle Company, Sea Galley or Applebees (midtown tends to have the franchise restaurants). Moose's Tooth is the best food for the money and is in midtown too and they could handle a group that size possibly. They don't typically take reservations though maybe they would for a group.

There are a few restaurants in the hotels downtown that might becheaper than the Brewhouse, The Captain Cook has Fletchers and TheSheraton and The Hilton both have bistro-style restaurants that mightwork but I forget their names. Anchorage has great restaurants butthey do tend to be a bit expensive. Simon and Seaford's, Orso's, TheCrow's Nest, Sak's Cafe are all good but at least as expensive as the Brewhouse.

Saturday, huh? I'll try to remember. Maybe send myself an email. I thought of jotting it down on the calendar that's hanging right here next to my desk, and discovered two things, clearly marked, that I forgot anyway.

Did you say holiday? I don't know [can't bear to even think] about what kind of holidays you go on, but if my holiday includes carpet cleaning and appliance repair, then I really don't want to go.Cheers

We want to go to Alaska one day! It'll have to be when the kids are grown, but we'll be there one day. I want the gyros! I have a hard time finding a good one in Minnesota, and there are NONE in my town at all. But in Germany, there is an awesome little shop that sells them and their fries are to die for!

Anchorage was my layover stop when I flew from Philippines to Toronto, so I could say that I've been there ;-). The most I saw of the place was part of the airport where the big white stuffed bear was displayed. My fondest memory of the place: the snow capped mountain I saw in the distance while I was at the airport. Why memorable? It was my first sighting of snow!